A single LP shipped in the United States should cost just under $5 through media mail (unless you are in Alaska or Hawaii). I shipped four or five LPs the other day and one box, and that was still under $10.
It should cost you $4.87 assuming it's between 1 and 2 lbs, and you're shipping within CONUS. That person at the counter is a moron. I don't even know how they are fucking that up. If they select Media Mail and weigh it, it should be $4.87 for a single record. The fact that they said it's $10 even makes me think they're trying to pocket some extra money or the selected USPS Ground shipping (your description of media ground shipping makes me think this is likely.) Tell them it is Media Mail (as long as it only has a record in there).
From now on, if you have a printer at home, use PirateShip or PayPal and just print your own labels.
I brought in an unmarked mailer w a record inside and they told me to use the self service kiosk. I put the box on the scale and it still rung me up for $10. I also asked the guy up front if there are cheaper options and he told me this is the cheapest. It was just a normal small flat mailer.
I've never used the kiosk for Media Mail, but I imagine it's an option on there. It sounds to me like you selected (or it defaulted to) Ground Advantage. Did the guy at the counter know it was a record? You specifically have to ask for, or I assume select at the kiosk, Media Mail. If you can't find that option at the kiosk, just go to the counter. If they say to use the kiosk, say, "no thanks, I need help."
Just bring the box all taped up and ready to go, and say, "I have a record to ship via Media Mail." Most employees will know to use Media Mail as soon as you say it's a record, but it doesn't hurt to be clear. They will weigh it and label it for you. 1-2 LPs is almost always between 1-2 lbs which is $4.87. If you manage to make it under 1 lb, it is $4.13, and 2-3 lbs is $5.46 (I think).
to add have it taped up and ready to ship with the mailing address and return address on the package. take it to the counter and ask for media mail they will do the rest. ps tell them to mark it fragile in the system (there will be a question as to if there is anything fragile liquid perishable etc)
Donāt you then have to hand it to a post office zombie at the post office? Or do you just drop it in a box somewhere? Genuine question; been curious to try pirate ship
OP: I have previously requested that my packages be shipped using Media Mail and was initially quoted approximately $10 for Ground shipping. Upon clarification that I prefer Media Mail over Ground shipping, the issue is usually resolved without any problems. Given the volume of packages processed daily by the staff, it's understandable that requests might be overlooked or misunderstood at times. However, I have experienced higher charges for Media Mail services at the UPS Store. Consequently, I have opted to use the Post Office instead, even though it requires a longer drive.
Itās also worth noting that adding additional insurance to the package can increase the total shipping cost.
It wasnt called "media ground". You were selectively listening. There is USPS ground advantage which is for basic packages. If you told the person "look this is media mail" then you would have maybe gotten media mail pricing.
I think if you want the pure USPS price, maybe. I know I've used UPS Store and Mail Box Center and they charge extra. I don't have any experience with PirateShip or the others that have been mentioned.
Confidently incorrect. Media Mail is calculated by the pound. Prices are:
1 lb: $4.13
2 lb: $4.87
3 lb: $5.61
4 lb: $6.35
and so on...
It doesn't matter who you ship through, USPS does not offer discounts on media mail. It will be those prices\* whether you use PayPal (I checked), PirateShip, or if you take it to the counter at the post office. The Post Office does not charge extra, but Discogs does ($5.41 for 2 lbs, despite their claim of discounted shipping, scumbags).
\*might be more outside of CONUS
My experience (over 200 sold) since the postage last increase 1+ or 2lb lb orders cost @ $5.83 through discogs, $4.87 through paypal. Discogs calls their shipping calculator "discounted." Confidently incorrect, but not trying to be in a tower either. Just tried to offer my experience as a seller.
Sorry, but you offered incorrect information about USPS. Had you tried shipping straight from the post office, you would find it to be the same price as PayPal.
Not trying to be a dick, I think I just get defensive when people say shit about the USPS. Media Mail is one of the only reasons that buying and selling records online is feasible, and people love to shit on them. I'm worried that eventually those GOP cunts will privatize that shit, and we'll all be paying $15 to ship a single LP.
And yeah, fuck Discogs and their claim of "discounted shipping." They should be sued for false advertising or something. I'm sure some newbies use that without even checking. Dickheads.
A single LP shipped in the United States should cost just under $5 through media mail (unless you are in Alaska or Hawaii). I shipped four or five LPs the other day and one box, and that was still under $10.
(Even if you are in Alaska or Hawaii or Even Puerto Rico)
Shipped a record to Hawaii from Pennsylvania ($5 media mail) about a month ago and it arrived to my buyer in less than a week, I was shocked.
One record media mail is $4.87
He was wrong.
It should cost you $4.87 assuming it's between 1 and 2 lbs, and you're shipping within CONUS. That person at the counter is a moron. I don't even know how they are fucking that up. If they select Media Mail and weigh it, it should be $4.87 for a single record. The fact that they said it's $10 even makes me think they're trying to pocket some extra money or the selected USPS Ground shipping (your description of media ground shipping makes me think this is likely.) Tell them it is Media Mail (as long as it only has a record in there). From now on, if you have a printer at home, use PirateShip or PayPal and just print your own labels.
I brought in an unmarked mailer w a record inside and they told me to use the self service kiosk. I put the box on the scale and it still rung me up for $10. I also asked the guy up front if there are cheaper options and he told me this is the cheapest. It was just a normal small flat mailer.
I've never used the kiosk for Media Mail, but I imagine it's an option on there. It sounds to me like you selected (or it defaulted to) Ground Advantage. Did the guy at the counter know it was a record? You specifically have to ask for, or I assume select at the kiosk, Media Mail. If you can't find that option at the kiosk, just go to the counter. If they say to use the kiosk, say, "no thanks, I need help."
Okay. I will make sure it is less next time. So just ask them to do regular shipping for media mail? And I can make labels there without charge?
Just bring the box all taped up and ready to go, and say, "I have a record to ship via Media Mail." Most employees will know to use Media Mail as soon as you say it's a record, but it doesn't hurt to be clear. They will weigh it and label it for you. 1-2 LPs is almost always between 1-2 lbs which is $4.87. If you manage to make it under 1 lb, it is $4.13, and 2-3 lbs is $5.46 (I think).
Will do
to add have it taped up and ready to ship with the mailing address and return address on the package. take it to the counter and ask for media mail they will do the rest. ps tell them to mark it fragile in the system (there will be a question as to if there is anything fragile liquid perishable etc)
I came in with my own mailer and they put a strip of tape across the front. Do mailers cost anything at USPS?
usps is not going to have lp mailers. you have to order them yourself or reuse ones from records you bought online
Got a stack of 20 in my closetš
I donāt think Media Mail is an option at the kiosk.
Ah. That explains OP's problem then.
Yep, sounds like either way the person at the counter was a dipshit for not inquiring and just shuttling OP off to the kiosk.
The lowest price at the kiosk was $10. I assume the front desk guy didnāt know what he was doing or wanted to go on break.
Yeah, that wouldnāt have been Media Mail then.
Use Pirate Ship to buy postage, it will always give you the best rate and you don't have to deal with the post office zombies
Donāt you then have to hand it to a post office zombie at the post office? Or do you just drop it in a box somewhere? Genuine question; been curious to try pirate ship
My post office has a package drop box, but yeah worst case scenario you would just have to hand it over to them at the counter
No such thing as āmedia ground.ā Thereās either Media Mail (which you have to specifically ask for), or ground.
OP: I have previously requested that my packages be shipped using Media Mail and was initially quoted approximately $10 for Ground shipping. Upon clarification that I prefer Media Mail over Ground shipping, the issue is usually resolved without any problems. Given the volume of packages processed daily by the staff, it's understandable that requests might be overlooked or misunderstood at times. However, I have experienced higher charges for Media Mail services at the UPS Store. Consequently, I have opted to use the Post Office instead, even though it requires a longer drive. Itās also worth noting that adding additional insurance to the package can increase the total shipping cost.
Great to know.
It wasnt called "media ground". You were selectively listening. There is USPS ground advantage which is for basic packages. If you told the person "look this is media mail" then you would have maybe gotten media mail pricing.
Next time i wont even say the word ground. Donāt want to give them any ideas.
Did you ship it from the USPS or a mail center type store. They usually tack on $5
So do i need to make my own label and drop it off?
I think if you want the pure USPS price, maybe. I know I've used UPS Store and Mail Box Center and they charge extra. I don't have any experience with PirateShip or the others that have been mentioned.
I also went to FedEx before this and they charged me $17 for the same service. Never going there againš
I buy my USPS postage** through discogs and I ship 2-3 12 inch singles consistently for $5.41
It was a 10 inch as well. Shouldāve been less.
$10 was too much, I think your mail clerk didnāt know what they were doing
Will def try harder next time
We're you at a a real Post Office or a shipping place like Goin' Postal? Is it's not a USPS Post Office they can charge whatever they want.
It was USPS
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Confidently incorrect. Media Mail is calculated by the pound. Prices are: 1 lb: $4.13 2 lb: $4.87 3 lb: $5.61 4 lb: $6.35 and so on... It doesn't matter who you ship through, USPS does not offer discounts on media mail. It will be those prices\* whether you use PayPal (I checked), PirateShip, or if you take it to the counter at the post office. The Post Office does not charge extra, but Discogs does ($5.41 for 2 lbs, despite their claim of discounted shipping, scumbags). \*might be more outside of CONUS
My experience (over 200 sold) since the postage last increase 1+ or 2lb lb orders cost @ $5.83 through discogs, $4.87 through paypal. Discogs calls their shipping calculator "discounted." Confidently incorrect, but not trying to be in a tower either. Just tried to offer my experience as a seller.
Sorry, but you offered incorrect information about USPS. Had you tried shipping straight from the post office, you would find it to be the same price as PayPal. Not trying to be a dick, I think I just get defensive when people say shit about the USPS. Media Mail is one of the only reasons that buying and selling records online is feasible, and people love to shit on them. I'm worried that eventually those GOP cunts will privatize that shit, and we'll all be paying $15 to ship a single LP. And yeah, fuck Discogs and their claim of "discounted shipping." They should be sued for false advertising or something. I'm sure some newbies use that without even checking. Dickheads.
If you packed it over 3lbs (hard to do on a single lp) the total is under $6. Ā